CAN PRAYER BE GOOD FOR ME?

In the past few weeks I have challenged myself to be more disciplined in prayer. Then I asked myself – why? Why do I pray?

The “self” part of me says:

“I can do everything. I can cope. I do not need help. But if I need help, I will ask.”

Have you heard yourself say that? And I also get busy doing things and forget to talk to God even when I get into trouble. I say to myself, “I can work this out.”

“As long as you are self-sufficient you do not need to ask God for anything.” 1

Then what is prayer for? Is it to get things, be blessed, or get out of sticky situations? Obviously when we are needy our lack of self-sufficiency might drive us to prayer. “Oh, Lord, help me!” But is that why God created this way to communicate?

I have pondered about this for awhile. I think God created prayer as a means of communication to get to know Him. It is a relationship builder. As we pray – we change. Our dispositions can change and then we can, in our new frame of mind, relate to our circumstances differently.

“”It is not so true “prayer changes things” as that prayer changes me and I change things.””2

So this week I will try again to open my relationship with God to a new level. I want to know Him more; I need to talk to Him about me, who I am and how He and I can work together.

“Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished [in me]. “3

1, 2, 3 All quotes come from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 28.

Prayer:

As I work on my prayer life, help me to open myself to hear Your words. Help me to open myself and talk to You about the real me. Help me to be still before You. Help me NOT to be afraid to say, “change me, Lord”. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN.

My Gratitude List for this week: I am at 280

a fun-filled week at a cottage with kids and grandkids
watching my granddaughter take pictures – she is 4
watching my family enjoy each other
lots of food
many games and laughter
swimming in the lake
campfire with smores
nighttime stars above the trees

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Jan Cox

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it this year.